$150,000 State Government donation boosts fundraising total
Oct. 28, 2020
The final day of the 27forParkinson's fundraising and community connection campaign was marked with the welcome boost of a $150,000 State Government donation.
The one-off donation, in recognition of the information and support services Parkinson's Victoria provides to people with Parkinson's and their families, brought the total amount raised to more than $525,000.
27forParkinson's also raised community awareness of Parkinson's, with State member for Lara John Eren speaking of his recent diagnosis to several media outlets during the campaign.
"This donation, and the phenomenal efforts of John, reinforces to people they are not alone. They will be supported, educated and empowered to enhance their quality of life at every step of their own journey. We thank John for his incredible leadership and commitment to the Parkinson’s community," said Parkinson's Victoria CEO Emma Collin.
She also congratulated everyone who took part by walking 27 times over 27 days in October, including more than 800 active fundraisers, many of whom shared their walks on the official event website and social media..
The 27forParkinson's website remains open for donations until 27 November 2020.
The following information is from an official media release issued by Mr Eren:
27 FOR PARKINSON'S
The Victorian Government is delighted to announce that they will be providing a one-off donation of $150,000 to Fight Parkinson’s as part of their 27forParkinson’s fundraising effort.
The Victorian Government today commended the important work of Fight Parkinson’s in raising community awareness, in advocating for research and in providing vital information and support for services for Victorians living with Parkinson’s and their families.
Today is the final day of fundraising for 27forParkinson’s, which replaces the traditional A Walk in the Park event, which cannot be held this year due to COVID-19.
It is estimated that 27,000 Victorians are living with Parkinson’s, with 18% of people diagnosed while still of working age (under 65 years). It is the second most common neurological condition in our community.
The Member for Lara, John Eren, today welcomed this news after revealing in August that he has Parkinson’s following his own diagnosis of Parkinson’s late last year.
Mr Eren has thrown his support behind Fight Parkinson’s in support of other individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s, a degenerative neurological disease.
He took on the Ambassador role for 27forParkinson’s, an online fundraiser that asked people to walk 27 times, across 27 days in October. He is also keen to encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to get checked as early diagnosis is key to quality of life.
Quotes attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“I am proud that our Government is investing in this very important fundraiser that is supporting the 27,000 people and their families, who are living with Parkinson’s in Victoria.”
“This donation will go a long way to help Fight Parkinson’s continue the great work they do in raising awareness for education, support services and research that improves quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s conditions.”
“Congratulations to Emma Collin, CEO and the entire team of Fight Parkinson’s. Thank you for your hard work in providing a much needed service for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.”
Also a special thanks to everyone who worked together, over 800 fundraisers, who raised over $515,000 for this great cause. It has been a fantastic result”
Quotes attributed to Fight Parkinson’s CEO Emma Collin
“Fight Parkinson’s welcomes the Victorian Government’s generous donation in support of the Parkinson’s community, who are managing a chronic and life-changing condition within the confines of COVID-19 restrictions and limitations.”
“Parkinson’s can be an isolating condition in itself. Since March, our priority focus has been on helping people living with Parkinson’s, or caring for someone with Parkinson’s, to navigate COVID-19 to stay safe, well and positively focussed on the future.”
“This donation – and the phenomenal efforts of John Eren, who bravely disclosed his diagnosis and shared his story with the wider Victorian community throughout the 27forParkinson’s campaign – reinforces to people that they are not alone. They will be supported, educated and empowered to enhance their quality of life at every step of their own journey.”